Eligibility Requirements
Geographic Eligibility
Applications are strictly limited to the following regions based on the fund type.
- WAFF Priority (Francophone West Africa): Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo.
- Anglophone West Africa: Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria (Eligible for specific Pan-African calls).
- Central & Southern Africa: Cameroon, Chad, Botswana, Zambia (Eligible for Capacity Building Initiatives).
Organizational Eligibility
We fund organizations that align with feminist principles.
- Eligible Entities: Registered women's rights organizations, Feminist collectives, Youth-led groups, LGBTI+ organizations, and individual Women Human Rights Defenders, and Unregistered Movements.
Thematic Eligibility
- Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
- Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention
- Women's Economic Justice & Empowerment
- Climate Justice & Environmental Rights
- Digital Rights & Online Safety
Active Grant Opportunities
West Africa Francophone Feminist Fund (WAFFF)
RFLD's flagship mechanism addressing the critical funding gap for feminist movements in Francophone West Africa. WAFF provides flexible, core support and rapid response funding.
Objectives:
- Strengthen institutional capacity of feminist groups.
- Support rapid advocacy against rights violations.
Rapid Response:
5-business-day decision for urgent threats.
Emergency Response Grants
A safety net for Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) facing immediate risk. Funds cover physical security, legal aid, medical support, and temporary relocation.
Focus Area:
8 Francophone West African Countries
Covered Costs:
- Emergency Relocation
- Legal Representation
- Medical/Psychosocial Support
Upcoming Opportunities
Capacity Building Initiative
Comprehensive organizational development grants focusing on financial management, leadership, and fundraising sustainability for mid-sized CSOs.
Digital Security Initiative
Grants to upgrade digital infrastructure, provide VPNs/secure devices, and train staff on anti-surveillance techniques for high-risk organizations.
2026 Grant Calendar
| Opportunity Name | Application Period | Review Timeline | Funding Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAFF Rapid Response | Rolling Basis | 5 Business Days | 2 weeks after approval |
| Capacity Building Initiative | Opens March 15, 2026 | June 1 - July 15, 2026 | September 1, 2026 |
| Digital Security Initiative | Opens August 1, 2026 | October 1 - 31, 2026 | January 1, 2027 |
Pro Tip: Apply early in the cycle. Late applications may be deferred to the next fiscal year.
How We Select Grants
To ensure transparency, RFLD uses a weighted scoring system. Applications scoring below 70/100 are typically not funded.
Fit with RFLD focus areas & mission.
Clear objectives, realistic budget & timeline.
Financial health & track record.
Direct beneficiaries & systemic change.
Safety & operational risk mitigation.
Review Process Timeline
Eligibility check & document completeness review by Program Team.
Detailed scoring by external panel of regional experts.
Reference checks, financial verification & background screenings.
Final approval by Grants Committee & applicant notification.
Our Impact: Grants in Action
$2.3M+
Awarded since 2020
156
Organizations Funded
22.4%
2024 Success Rate
45k+
Direct Beneficiaries
Grant Distribution by Region (2024)
Success Stories
Fighting FGM Through Dialogue (Benin)
$15,000 Capacity Building Grant
Trained 200 community leaders resulting in a 35% reduction in FGM cases in the Atacora region.
Emergency Land Defense (Senegal)
$5,000 Urgent Action Grant
5-day rapid response funding covered legal fees that prevented the displacement of 200 families facing illegal eviction.
Active Tenders
Development of a Digital Resource Hub for Women's Rights
RFLD is launching a call for tenders for the development of an innovative digital platform dedicated to promoting women's rights.
Additional Procurement Opportunities
RFLD regularly publishes new tenders for services including consultancy and technical assistance.
Our Priority Focus Areas
Gender Equality
Advancing women's rights and gender justice
Human Rights
Protecting fundamental rights
Climate Justice
Environmental rights and adaptation
Civic Participation
Democratic engagement strengthening
Health Rights
Sexual and reproductive health
Economic Justice
Women's economic empowerment
How to Apply
- Eligibility Self-Assessment: Ensure your organization meets geographic and thematic criteria.
- Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents (see checklist).
- Submit Application: Send complete package to the specific email in the opportunity card. Note: Online portal launching Q1 2026.
- Wait for Confirmation: You will receive a receipt acknowledgment within 48 hours.
Required Documents Checklist
- Official Registration Certificate
- Latest Annual Financial Statement
- Project Proposal (using RFLD template)
- Detailed Budget (Excel format)
- CVs of Key Project Staff
- 2 Letters of Support/Reference
Ready to Partner with RFLD?
Join us in creating lasting change across Africa. Contact our team to discuss partnership opportunities.
Response time: Within 48 hours for all inquiries